Computational Systems Biology is an emerging discipline that studies complex biological systems where large numbers of diverse and multifunctional elements interact in selective ways. It combines experimental and computational research making it intrinsically interdisciplinary. The combination of computational models and theoretical studies provides a solid foundation to push the envelope in our understanding of life.

There is strong synergy between Biology and Computing. Computer models

can unveil unexpected configurations suggesting unforeseen experiments, and concurrent languages used to describe systems with multiple heterogeneous agents are now being used to describe biological behavior. Trying to model biological systems in existing computational formalisms stretches those formalisms and may suggest new approaches.

In 2006 pharmaceutical companies spent an estimated $55.2 billion in research and development costs, with the costs of developing a biological drug reaching $1.2 billion. In this framework, Computational Systems Biology could contribute to new ways of understanding diseases leading to cheaper medicine.

Research efforts in Computational Systems Biology address the spirit of Innovation both in the short term by requiring interdisciplinary and interdepartmental research, and in the long term by offering the potential of drug development and practical medical innovations.